H.B. 2515, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Murt, originated as a way to protect children working on set and is a reference to Kate Gosselin’s Kate Plus 8, which is shot in Pennsylvania.

SAG National Director of Government Relations and Policy Nancy Fox spoke on behalf of the approximately 4,000 young performers who are members of Screen Actors Guild, many of whom would be affected by the new law.

“We commend Representative Murt for introducing H.B. 2515 and Representative (Jaret) Gibbons for introducing H.B. 19 to address deficiencies in Pennsylvania’s child labor law as it relates to television and film productions,” said Fox early in her testimony. “While this bill goes a long way toward protecting children and navigating the challenges facing production, we are advocating several important changes which we believe will make this an exemplary bill.”

She closed by adding, “Strengthening these protections across the country is of paramount importance to Screen Actors Guild and we look forward to continuing to work with the sponsor, committees and the state of Pennsylvania to ensure that a strong, successful bill will benefit young performers.”

Joining Screen Actors Guild in giving testimony were former child stars of classic television shows, including Alison Arngrim of Little House on the Prairie, Paul Peterson of The Donna Reed Show and Jon Provost of Lassie.

SAG National Board Member Helen McNutt and Philadelphia Branch Executive Director Marcia Fishman were also in attendance to keep track of the legislation.